Fairytale of Headley Cross Read Online Free PDF

face. “Now look at yourself and tell me honestly you can stand—or sit—in that pulpit tonight and preach.”
    Carson started at the battered reflection and reluctantly handed Nate the sermon notes. “OK, you win. I’ll stay in tonight. What will you tell the congregation?”
    “That you’ve been involved in an accident and will be out of circulation for a few days. But you’re not seriously hurt and will be fine after a few days’ rest.” He slid the notes into his jacket pocket. “I’ll give you a call in a couple of days. Think about pressing charges. I’ll see myself out.”
    Carson let out a deep breath as Nate left. He glanced at Maggie. “Can you show me how to stream the evening service? I welcome the online listeners each week, but have no idea how to do it.”
    “Sure.”
    “Actually, would you stay and listen with me? If you’re not too busy that is?”
    Maggie nodded. “I’ll make some tea first, if that’s all right with you. And afterwards I’ll take Pilot for a walk before I leave.”
    “Thank you. Could you find me some paracetamol? There should be some in the bathroom cabinet.”
    “Sure. I need to put the mirror away, anyway.”
    Once Maggie was out of the room, Carson leaned back and closed his eyes. What had he gotten himself into and how was he going to get out of it? No one would believe he didn’t start the fight. Not with his history. The same reason he was single and likely to stay that way. As soon as any woman found out who he really was, they ran—ran as far away as they possibly could.
     
     
     
     

4
     
    Maggie walked across the park with Gypsy on his leash. He’d had a good run in the early morning. She knew some of the church members, and her parents, would have a fit if they knew she walked across the park in the dark, but what was she meant to do with the dog? She knew most of the other dog walkers by sight, anyway. Though this morning she was earlier than usual and there was no one about. Besides, the whole point of having the dog was so she’d be safe. That was the only reason she left the house in the dark at all.
    Gypsy’s feet clipped on the tarmac as they left the park and walked along the pavement. Her breath hung in the freezing air, a light frost glistening on the grass verges. No doubt the pavements were icy as well, but she couldn’t make that out in the orange sodium street lighting.
    Her mind reviewed the previous day. Wesley had been waiting for her when she got back to her home. She’d told him that she wasn’t going to be intimidated by him or by anyone else. It was over between them, and if she wanted to see other men, she would. He hadn’t taken it too well, but she told him if he laid a finger on her again, she would press charges against him. After that, he’d left.
    Thinking about the charges, brought her mind back to the topic it had barely left, that of Carson. Why hadn’t he pursued matters with the police? He’d taken a beating for her. Why? It wasn’t as if they were dating or doing anything more than having a friendly lunch after church. Although she had to admit if he did ask her out, which he wouldn’t, she’d say yes.
    Why? That’s what she didn’t understand. He was a pastor. There was no way she was pastor’s wife material. And she knew he would need someone to support him in his ministry. And that someone wasn’t her and could never be her.
    I don’t doubt my faith, Lord, but it’s nowhere near as strong as his. He’ll be such a good man, never doing anything wrong, not like me. I fail You on a daily basis, by not praying or forgetting to do my Bible reading, or getting angry when I’m driving or at work or anytime something doesn’t go according to my plan. I know I was never in love with Wesley. I’m not sure I ever really liked him, just wanted what I could get from him. How shallow does that make me?
    The alarm on her phone beeped as she reached her front door. She looked down at Gypsy. “It’s time for